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The Life of Joseph (Genesis)

Joseph’s life, marked by early favoritism, betrayal by his brothers, and his rise to power in Egypt, is a profound narrative of resilience, divine providence, and forgiveness, culminating in his reunion with his family and his pivotal role in the survival of the Israelite people.

Birth: Joseph is born to Jacob and Rachel, making him Jacob's eleventh son but Rachel's firstborn. This occurs in a context where Rachel had long been unable to have children, which makes Joseph's birth particularly significant (Genesis 30:22-24).
Favored Son: Jacob shows a distinct preference for Joseph, giving him a richly ornamented coat, which becomes a symbol of his favored status and a source of envy and resentment among his brothers (Genesis 37:3).
Dreams of Grandeur: Joseph has two prophetic dreams that suggest his future dominance over his family, further fueling his brothers' jealousy (Genesis 37:5-11).
Sold into Slavery: At age 17, Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers to Ishmaelite traders who take him to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).
Potiphar’s House: In Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials. Despite his status as a slave, Joseph excels and is eventually put in charge of Potiphar’s entire household (Genesis 39:1-6).
Imprisonment: Joseph is wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned. In prison, he gains a reputation for being able to interpret dreams (Genesis 39:7-20).
Interpreter of Dreams: Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while in prison, which eventually leads to his release (Genesis 40).
Rise to Power: Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams of the seven fat cows and seven lean cows as predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the Vizier of Egypt, effectively making him the second most powerful man in Egypt at the age of 30 (Genesis 41:1-44).
Family Reunion: During the famine, Joseph's brothers come to Egypt seeking food. Joseph eventually reveals his identity to his brothers and forgives them, demonstrating his growth in character and forgiveness (Genesis 45).
Death of Jacob: Before Jacob dies, he blesses Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, effectively giving Joseph a double portion of his inheritance (Genesis 48:15-22).
Before Jacob dies, he blesses Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, effectively giving Joseph a double portion of his inheritance (Genesis 48:15-22).
Joseph’s Legacy and Death: Joseph lives to see his great-grandchildren and dies at the age of 110. Before his death, he assures his brothers of God’s care and makes them promise to carry his bones back to the promised land (Genesis 50:22-26).